Pelicans rally past Dash for 6-5 win after weather delay

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans (52-38, 12-9), Class-A Advanced affiliates of the Texas Rangers, erased a three-run, fifth-inning deficit Saturday and clipped the Winston-Salem Dash 6-5 in front of 3,604 fans at TicketReturn.com Field. The four-game series is now even at one game apiece. The start of the game was delayed by 27 minutes after wet weather passed through the area.

Preston Beck hit a go-ahead, two-run single off left-handed reliever Jarrett Casey to cap a five-run fifth inning in which the Pelicans sent 10 men to the plate. The Birds trailed 4-1 entering the inning but secured a 6-4 lead which they would not relinquish.

Right-hander Jerad Eickhoff (7-3) got the win, allowing four earned runs on seven hits over five innings. The right-hander walked two and struck out five. He threw his last pitch in the top of the fifth but the Pelicans unleashed a big inning in the bottom of the frame. Francisco Mendoza stranded the potential tying run in scoring position in the ninth and got the final two outs for his third save of the year.

Bryan Blough (8-6) was saddled with the loss, allowing six runs, five earned, on eight hits over 4.1 innings.

Josh McElwee worked a season-best 3.1 innings out of the bullpen and tallied four strikeouts. At one point he retired nine straight batters. He got out of a bases-loaded jam in the sixth inning by striking out Chris Curley and Kevan Smith. He allowed one unearned run in the sixth inning.

The Pelicans pounded out 11 hits and all nine starters reached base at least once. Edwin Garcia matched a career high with three hits. Luis Sardinas and Rougned Odor each added a pair of hits.

Garcia provided the Pelicans first run with an RBI single in the third inning. Odor added a two-run double in the five-run fifth inning. Sardinas started that rally with a run-producing two-bagger.

The Pelicans and Dash will play the third game of the series Sunday at TicketReturn.com Field. Left-hander Victor Payano (5-5, 5.35) will face right-hander Myles Jaye (5-3, 4.45). First pitch is slated for 6:05 p.m. EST. It will be a Family Sunday featuring postgame fireworks. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.myrtlebeachpelicans.com or by phone at 918-6000.